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Manchester United target Koke has revealed that he intends to stay in Spain and be a part of Atletico Madrid’s history, dealing David Moyes a huge blow for his summer plans.

Koke has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford and is being targeted by David Moyes as a potential transfer in a bid to improve his midfield. However in an interview, the Spanish youngster claimed that he intends to stay at Atletico Madrid and continue to work under Diego Simeone.

Asked if he could see himself stay with Atletico Madrid for the rest of his playing career, Koke did not shy away from saying that it could be possible for him to finish his career at Vicente Calderon.

“Maybe, why not? I have a long contract and I want to see it through because Atleti is my home.”

“We’re doing big things as a team in a very nice project and hopefully I can be here for many years. The team is making history and hopefully it lasts many years because what we are achieving is very good.”

Atletico Madrid have transformed themselves under the guidance of Diego Simeone and have taken charge in the Spanish league. Currently in the second spot, they have challenged the monopoly held by Barcelona and Real Madrid and beat AC Milan to enter the quarter finals of the Champions League. Many believe that this Atletico Madrid side has the ability to restore the lost glory at Vicente Calderon.

Koke has played an instrumental role in this resurgent Atletico Madrid and has developed tremendously under Simeone at Madrid. the youngster has earned his stars at Atletico and has been complimented by Simeone as someone who has the potential to be one of the best players in the world.

“That’s a major compliment [from the Coach] and what he’s given to us, not just me but my teammates, is spectacular but now we have to work with humility.”

He is also believed to have impressed Del Bosque and might just book himself a ticket to Brazil this summer if he continues to lead Atletico Madrid with his stellar performances.

“It’s true I have the confidence of [Vicente Del Bosque] but I don’t know if I’ll be in the squad.

“It will depend on these last two months, on how the team is and how things go. I hope I am there.”

The 22 year old midfielder is known for his bursting runs, attacking abilities along with his determination to fall back and defend the ball. An attacking midfielder, Koke provides ammunition to the strikers and is not shy in front of the goal himself. He scored the crucial equaliser against Real Madrid earlier this month and is complimented for being technically sound with the ball.

Reports have linked the midfielder to Old Trafford for quite a long time and many believed that the deal will go through in the January transfer window despite his contract with Atletico running till June 2018. Chelsea and Liverpool were also rumoured to be keeping a track of the midfielder who is reported to have a £16m release clause. The Spaniard would have been a valuable addition for Manchester United and would have slotted in perfectly at United’s midfield. Spanish players have often successfully switched to the Premier League but it seems that Koke has his eyes set on becoming a legend at Atletico. However his future at Vicente Calderon will depend on Atletico’s ability to win trophies and a barren season end might convince Koke to switch his loyalties.

Where does his future lie?

Meanwhile reports emerge that Patrice Evra might follow Nemanja Vidic to Inter Milan at the end of this season. The Frenchman’s contract expires this summer and it is very unlikely that he will be offered an extension at Manchester United. David Moyes has publicly spoken about needing a left-back and reports suggest that he is looking at Luke Shaw as a possible replacement.

It has been reported that Inter Milan is a possible destination for Evra where he will resume his partnership with Vidic. But it will be interesting to see how many clubs will be willing to invest in an ageing left-back well past his prime. At 32, Evra has been a defensive liability for United, often founding wanting out of position and might not find many suitors come Summer.